Parents

How Can I Tell if a Cut Needs Stitches?

How can I tell if my child needs stitches for a cut?
- Andrea

Between the playground, sports, and the rough-and-tumble of everyday life, kids end up with bruises, scrapes, and cuts from time to time. While many can be treated with some disinfectant and a bandage, it's important to know when a cut might need medical attention or even a few stitches.

Get medical attention for a cut that:

is still bleeding after you apply pressure for 5 minutes

is gaping or wide

appears to be deep

is on your child's face or neck

contains glass or other debris

has an object sticking out of it, such as a twig

spurts blood

If a cut is spurting blood, it may be because an artery has been nicked. The wound should be treated and stitched immediately so that its edges can come together and heal properly.

A common concern with cuts is whether a tetanus shot is necessary. A child who has not had a tetanus shot within the last 5 years might need one to protect against infection. A child may also need a shot if the wound was caused by rusty metal, is contaminated with dirt or saliva, or is a bite from an animal. The tetanus shot must be given within 48 hours after the wound happened. But the sooner the shot is given, the better, as it will help to lower the risk of infection.

These guidelines can help you decide whether your child needs immediate medical attention. But ultimately, doctors in your local clinic or emergency room are the ones will know for sure whether a cut needs stitches.